Hoarding a 'knee-jerk' reaction amid shortages: expert
Consumers are being reminded to exercise some patience over the next few months as retailers navigate ongoing supply chain shortages.
Heather Thomson, a retail expert, said the issue isn’t unique to just B.C. and Alberta as the supply crunch is being felt around the globe.
Recently, up to 75 per cent of ports have a backlog of up to three weeks, Thomson told CTV News Edmonton.
“When we look at what’s happening with our shelves at the grocery store, for example, we’re starting to see a lot of things empty out,” she said. “We saw it in the Okanagan first and now it’s trickling its way into Alberta.”
“Supply chains will re-establish relatively quickly but people are panicking and that’s just making it even worse.”
Thomson described the hoarding as a “knee jerk” reaction to possibly not having access to certain supplies.
Supply chain shortages have been going on for a few months already, but Thomson said it’s just “exacerbated” by the B.C. floods..
“It just added more pressure to an already delicate situation,” she added.
“How we get it to the various areas within the country is going to be tricky and that’s with the roads not being washed out.”
Another issue, Thomson said, is that some big box retailers have the ability to hire their own shipping containers to deliver products whereas it’s not an option for some small and medium businesses.
“We like to hoard and so do retailers.”
With files from CTV News Emdonton’s Carlyle Fiset
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.